For this destination you will feel a world away from central Paris. We'll be viewing Paris from the perfect vantage point: elevated railways. One has been turned into a lush park, the other still crosses the city from above. Whether by foot or Metro, you will pass the Place de la Bastille to reach our starting point, once the site of the Bastille Prison stormed during the French Revolution and now offering an array of cafes and shops for exploration.

Anyone who has visited New York City's 'high line' will recognize the Promenade Plantée in Paris, although Paris was first when it came to repurposing old rail lines. While the full trail extends for three miles, we've portioned off a lush section that we enjoyed. Upon reaching Rue de Rambouillet (or any turning point you choose), head downstairs to peruse the workshops and showrooms of the 50+ artists residing at the Viaduc des Arts.
The Coulée verte René-Dumont or Promenade plantée or the Coulée verte (French for green course) is a 4.7 km (2.9 mi) elevated linear park built on top of obsolete railway infrastructure in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was inaugurated in 1993.

Promenade Plantée

The Viaduc des Arts - located in Avenue Daumesnil 1-129, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, France - is a rehabilitation of the former “Viaduc de Bastille” carrying the railways of the Paris-Bastille - Vincennes train line. This rehabilitation project was designed in 1988 by the architect Patrick Berger under the direction of the SEMAEST . It is hosting a section of the Promenade Plantée, and many art galleries and shops.

Le Viaduc Café

Before or after your trip along the high line of Paris, walk for a few minutes to reach the Marché d'Aligre, considered one of the best markets in Paris. Because it's open six days a week, you're bound to find a treasure - food or otherwise. There are active outdoor and indoor areas of the market depending on the time you arrive. This also puts you in an ideal spot to continue exploration of the neighborhood.

Marche d'Aligre

Paris Metro Line #6

To continue the elevated theme, consider a journey across Paris on Metro Line 6. Start from the Bercy station, located about a 20-minute walk from where you started the Promenade Plantee, and you'll see Paris from a very different perspective than on the ground. In 25 minutes the line takes you all the way to Trocadero, where you can revisit the Eiffel Tower, or perhaps tour the home of French novelist Honoré de Balzac. Photo credit: DXR